SR Pick [Gear]: Cine-Mask Lets You Watch 3D Movies as an Autobot

There have been quite a few inventions throughout history that came from an idea so simple people had a “slap-the-head” moment – thinking, “Why didn’t I think of that?” The Snuggie, the Pillow Pet, the Pajama Jean – all these things were so mind-numbingly simple (and popular) that it makes you wonder why someone didn’t think of them sooner.

Such is the case with the Cine-Mask, a new toy from Hasbro that replicates the face of Optimus Prime and Bumblebee from the Transformers movie franchise. The toy is simply a mask that kids (or socially awkward adults) can wear to make themselves look like the wise leader of the Autobots or Sam Witwicky’s alien protector but here’s the “slap-your-head” simple part – the masks have 3D lenses in the eyeholes making them fully functional when watching a 3D movie in the theater!

Hasbro has plenty of merchandise coming out to promote Transformers: Dark of the Moon and you can read all about them HERE but check out the description of the mask below – followed by the pictures:

Approximate retail price: $9.99: Ages: 5 & up; Available: 5/16/2011 – Get ready for TRANSFORMERS role-play masks that are “MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE!” New to the TRANSFORMERS line, fans can gear up and roll out with the TRANSFORMERS CINE-MASK 3D Masks for an all-new, one-of-a-kind experience. Each role-play mask – offered in OPTIMUS PRIME and BUMBLEBEE styling – functions as a “battle mask” to play out the TRANSFORMERS fantasy as one of these AUTOBOT characters. Each mask is also equipped with built in RealD 3D lenses that allow fans to watch any RealD 3D compatible movie! Each mask sold separately.

Click the image for a HiRes version

Click the image for a HiRes version

I think Hasbro and other toy manufacturers will miss a huge opportunity if they fail to capitalize on this simple-yet-fun idea and make 3D movie masks for other superheroes such as Iron Man, Batman, Green Lantern, Captain America, and Darth Vader. At only $10 a piece, I would expect to see these Cine-Masks everywhere come this summer when Transformers: Dark of the Moon rolls into theaters – especially if they sell them at the theater when parents are purchasing tickets.

A standard toy isn’t something we would normally highlight on Screen Rant but these masks are just so cool that we couldn’t help but share them with you. Honestly, tell me you don’t want to be a kid again just so you could wear these bad boys to the theater. I for one would pair them up with my Optimus Prime pajamas and hit the theater in style!

Will you purchase a Cine-Mask for your children (or yourself)? What other characters would you like to see get the Cine-Mask treatment?